From bacteria and viruses to fungi and protozoa (single-celled organisms), the human body is home to an astonishing array of microscopic life.
Surprisingly, more than half of our body is not human, it’s composed of microbes.
Scientists estimate that human cells account for only 43% of the total cell count in the body. The remaining 57%, approximately 39 trillion cells, belong to the vast community of microbes that live within and on us.
Oestrogen fluctuations throughout a woman’s life, during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, play a significant but under-researched role in modulating the microbiome ( the community of microorganisms that live in the human body). These hormonal changes can impact the delicate balance of microbiota across the body, including the oral cavity, where they coincide with an increase in inflammatory processes in the oral mucosa.
While much attention has been given to gut and vaginal microbiota during menopause, the oral microbiome remains comparatively overlooked. This is surprising given its complexity and diversity, as well as its critical role in not only oral health but also systemic health.
Oral Microbiome and Menopause
The transition to menopause brings profound changes to the body, including alterations in the oral cavity. Research by Meurman et al. reveals that postmenopausal women frequently experience symptoms such as dry mouth, burning sensations (glossodynia), and reduced saliva production (hyposalivation). These symptoms increase the risk of oral and dental diseases, such as candidiasis, by disrupting the natural balance of the oral microbiome.
Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health, serving as a natural defence mechanism to regulate the microbiome and prevent infections. However, the hormonal changes of menopause can lead to reduced salivary function and altered saliva composition, negatively affecting this balance. Such disruptions may not only heighten the risk of oral diseases but also significantly impact a woman’s quality of life.
Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target
The microbiome holds great potential as a strategic therapeutic target for postmenopausal women. By addressing inflammatory states and restoring microbial balance, interventions focused on the microbiome could alleviate oral health challenges while promoting overall well-being.
To improve the oral microbiome you can:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles but avoid antimicrobial mouth rinses (unless recommended by your dentist)
- Eat a balanced diet, limit sugar and alcohol.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can negatively impact the health of your oral microbiome.
Given the critical link between hormonal fluctuations and the microbiome, further research into the oral microbiome during menopause is essential. A deeper understanding could pave the way for innovative therapies aimed at improving the health and quality of life of postmenopausal women.
Sources:
Analysis of the oral microbiome during hormonal cycle and its alterations in menopausal women: the “AMICA” project, A. Tramice, D. Paris, , A. Manca, etc, 2022.
